Patriotism and militarism
Patriotism is a profound emotional connection to one's homeland, often expressed through pride and loyalty. It has historical roots that predate the modern concept of national identity, with early expressions sometimes tied to religious or cultural allegiances, as seen during the Crusades. The notion of patriotism as we understand it today emerged significantly during the French Revolution, where a sense of allegiance to the nation-state became crucial in mobilizing citizens for military service. This shift contributed to the formation of mass armies, exemplified by Napoleon's campaigns, highlighting the interdependence of patriotism and militarism. Wars have not only been fueled by patriotic sentiments but have also served to forge national identities, as illustrated by the American Civil War, which transformed the perception of the United States from a collection of states to a unified nation. Thus, the relationship between patriotism and militarism is complex, reflecting a dynamic interplay that shapes societal values and national cohesion. Understanding this relationship offers insights into how collective identities are formed and the potential consequences for societies during times of conflict.
Subject Terms
Patriotism and militarism
Devotion to one’s native land—a sentiment best conveyed in Horace’s famous words: dulce et decorum est pro patria mori (“it is sweet and becoming to die for the fatherland”). While pride in one’s homeland is an ancient and powerful emotion, it has taken many forms. The Crusades, for instance, arose from loyalty to Christianity, not from any nationalistic concept of patriotism. In fact, fully developed modern patriotism—that associated with the “parent” nation-state and its children-citizens—did not develop until the time of the French Revolution (1789–1792).This was most important in a military sense; leaders who had believed that the mass arming of citizens was no effective way to wage war—indeed, that their loyalty could not be trusted—now found a new impetus for universal service. The resulting mass armies were fundamental to Napoleon’s success. If patriotism has often made war possible, so war has given rise to patriotism. The American Civil War (1861–1865) is one of those most illustrative examples: Before that great convulsion, “the United States” was referred to in the plural. In the war’s aftermath, the United States was generally spoken of as a single and truly united nation.
